Find out how popular the first name Retha has been for the last 41 years (from 1974 to 2014) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Retha by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Retha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2014, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Retha.

The history of the first name Retha

The given name Retha is believed to have originated from the Old English language, which was spoken in parts of what is now England and southeastern Scotland between the mid-5th and mid-12th centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "rethe," which means fierce or stern.

Retha was a relatively uncommon name during the Anglo-Saxon period, but it gained some popularity in the Middle Ages. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book, a medieval census commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, where a woman named Retha is listed as a landowner in the county of Oxfordshire.

In the 12th century, a Benedictine nun named Retha of Schlettstadt lived in the Alsatian town of the same name (now part of France). She is known for her writings on monastic life and her efforts to promote education for women in religious orders.

During the Renaissance, a notable figure named Retha Gainsford (1534-1591) gained recognition as one of the most learned women of her time. She was a scholar and writer who corresponded with influential intellectuals like Roger Ascham and was praised for her knowledge of languages, philosophy, and theology.

In the 17th century, Retha van Riebeeck (1629-1664) was a Dutch settler in South Africa and the wife of Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town. She played a significant role in the establishment of the Dutch colony and is remembered for her efforts in cultivating gardens and promoting agriculture.

Another historical figure with the name Retha was Retha Overbury (1810-1876), a British philanthropist and social reformer. She was actively involved in various charitable organizations and campaigned for the rights of women and children, particularly in the areas of education and employment.

While the name Retha was more common in the past, it has become relatively rare in modern times, although it continues to be used in some regions and cultures. Its meaning and historical associations reflect a sense of strength, determination, and intellectual prowess.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Retha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Retha, please contact us.

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